A guide to the export and import of cultural goods between Russia ...

Estonia
Chapter 3: European Union Member States
Estonian legislation provides for the protection of ‘movable monuments’. According to the
Heritage Conservation Act, the following may be movable monuments:
• Parts severed from immovable monuments
• Archaeological findings, ethnographic and historical objects and collections of these
• Works of visual and applied art and collections of these which have artistic value or
value in terms of religious or cultural history
• Machines and fixtures reflecting the development of science, technology or
production
Movable monuments, as defined by the Heritage Conservation Act, may be taken out of
Estonia only for a specified period of time and with an export permit.
What are my first steps? How do I plan this process and how long might it take?
You should check whether your object belongs to any of the categories in the Annex to
Council Regulation 3911/92 on the export of cultural goods. In that case, you have to apply
to the NHB for an export licence.
You may also have to apply for a national export licence or permit if your object is covered
by Estonian national heritage legislation. You are advised to check this with the NHB. For
instance, if the object you intend to export is registered as a movable monument under the
Heritage Conservation Act, you cannot obtain a permit for permanent export.
Contact the NHB to find out which documents need to be presented and how long it takes
to issue an export licence.
How do I find if the art object I want to export is of national significance? Is there a Public
Inventory of cultural goods of special interest or importance?
The NHB keeps a National Register of Monuments. This national inventory covers both
built heritage (historic monuments, archaeological monuments and listed buildings) and
movable heritage (‘objects of art’). It can be consulted on the website of the NHB.
Do museums and galleries need licences for temporary exports (e.g. a touring exhibition)? Do
non-profit organisations need export licences?
Yes, the temporary export of cultural goods requires the relevant licence.
Movable monuments that form part of museum collections can only be exported out of
Estonia for a limited period of time.
I am a visual artist. Do I need a licence to export my own work?
No. Art work which belongs to “the originator” (i.e. the artist who created it) does not require
an export licence under the EU export licence legislation, whatever its age or value.
Therefore you do not need a licence to export your own work if you still own it yourself.
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